ATENEO de Manila University rookie Kieffer Alas viewed his impressive UAAP debut as an encouraging start, but said the Blue Eagles still have much to accomplish as a team.
Alas erupted for 24 points along with four rebounds as Ateneo defeated the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 101-74, in its Season 89 opener on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite his individual performance, the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth star said the victory was not enough to satisfy him because Ateneo has yet to reach its larger objectives.
“Well, I mean, not really satisfaction in a way because we haven’t really reached the goal as a team that we want to achieve. So, I feel like, yes it helps with our confidence but I feel like we’re still getting there but not really much,” Alas said.
He described the win as an initial step in rebuilding the Blue Eagles following the tragedy that struck the team during the offseason.
“I feel like this was just an introduction to Ateneo after everything that happened. Everyone counted us out, so I hope na slowly we can build ourselves back up to bring ourselves where we want to be, especially with Divine’s parents being here, we’re gonna dedicate our games to them,” he added.
Alas was referring to the presence of Divine Adili’s parents during Ateneo’s first game of the season. Adili and teammate Rene Baterbonia died in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
The UAAP honored the two student-athletes with a moment of silence before the game.
Alas’ 24-point performance was the highest scoring output by a UAAP rookie since Jerrick Ahanmisi posted 28 points for Adamson University in its 104-85 victory over the University of the Philippines on September 4, 2016. (Adrian Co)
